Western Models
Encyclopedia
Western Models Limited were a brand of detailed white metal model vehicles, mostly cars in 1:43 scale, made in Taunton, Somerset, England - on the Cornwall peninsula. The company ceased production of cars about 2007 to focus solely on contemporary aircraft models.
Western Models was started by entrepreneur Mike Stephens in 1973 with help from his wife, Joyce (Olson 2006, p. 117). Stephens conceived of the company in Devon, but then started production in his basement in Epsom, Surrey, southeast of London (Olson 2006, pp. 116-117). Later, production was moved to larger premises in Redhill, Surrey, then later to Acre Hill in Taunton, which Stephens claimed was a return to "western" roots (Olson 2006, p. 116-117; Company History 1998-2011). The company, which usually had about ten employees, often contracted vehicles for Danhausen (see Minichamps
) and other companies like Motor City USA, Design Studio, TFC, and EWA Miniatures of New Jersey (Western Models 2011; Olson 2006, pp. 116-117). Models could be purchased either assembled and fully finished or in kit form. Other limited edition brands were appearing in the 1970s, but Western Models gained a reputation for exceptional detail, quality parts and ease of assembly.
The first Western Models vehicle was a Mercedes Benz 540K made for Danhausen in November of 1973 (Company History 1998-2011). Danhausen attempted purchase of Western Models, but Stephens did not sell and Danhausen purchased AMR Models instead (Minichamps 2011). Through the 1980s and 1990s, hand built white metal Western Models (similar to Brooklin Models
) gained a reputation for high quality and precision detailing and casting, where models are produced in the hundreds or a few thousand - and not mass produced in the hundreds of thousands or millions (Western Models 2011).
American cars of the 1950s (particularly Fords and Buicks in mundane four door and station wagon styles), classic race cars, vintage sports and Grand Prix cars, and land speed record cars were the main types of vehicles represented (Johnson 1998, pp. 246-247; Olson 2006, p. 116). Detail was exquisite down to precise numbering from the real race cars and model specific wheel selection and detail. For example, as seen in period photographs, Carrol Shelby's LeMans winning 1959 Aston Martin was accurate even in the wheel well covers and in the asymmetrical segmented pieces of the front grille.
Though some boxes were black, packaging was usually recognizable by the white boxes with "WM" lettering in red and black which covered half of the box.
History
Western Models Limited was one of the first companies anywhere to produce high-quality hand built models for collectors, usually in white metal (Johnson 1998, p. 246). 'Small Wheels' was a line name also used by Western Models. Models were introduced annually but production runs were often limited, so collectability was insured. By about the year 2000, more than 70 different models had been made, with a new line of aircraft as well (Johnson 1998, p. 246-247).Western Models was started by entrepreneur Mike Stephens in 1973 with help from his wife, Joyce (Olson 2006, p. 117). Stephens conceived of the company in Devon, but then started production in his basement in Epsom, Surrey, southeast of London (Olson 2006, pp. 116-117). Later, production was moved to larger premises in Redhill, Surrey, then later to Acre Hill in Taunton, which Stephens claimed was a return to "western" roots (Olson 2006, p. 116-117; Company History 1998-2011). The company, which usually had about ten employees, often contracted vehicles for Danhausen (see Minichamps
Minichamps
Minichamps is a die-cast car producer founded as Paul's Model Art GmbH in 1990 in Aachen, Germany, best known for its 1:43 scale models. The company grew out of the Danhausen trade catalog of miniature vehicles and specially made Danhausen releases during the 1970s.-The Danhausen Legacy:Danhausen...
) and other companies like Motor City USA, Design Studio, TFC, and EWA Miniatures of New Jersey (Western Models 2011; Olson 2006, pp. 116-117). Models could be purchased either assembled and fully finished or in kit form. Other limited edition brands were appearing in the 1970s, but Western Models gained a reputation for exceptional detail, quality parts and ease of assembly.
The first Western Models vehicle was a Mercedes Benz 540K made for Danhausen in November of 1973 (Company History 1998-2011). Danhausen attempted purchase of Western Models, but Stephens did not sell and Danhausen purchased AMR Models instead (Minichamps 2011). Through the 1980s and 1990s, hand built white metal Western Models (similar to Brooklin Models
Brooklin Models
Brooklin Models Limited, started in 1974, is the largest producer of handmade 1:43 scale miniature models of vintage American cars, trucks, and other vehicles. Brooklin Models is located in Bath, England, and all models are currently produced there...
) gained a reputation for high quality and precision detailing and casting, where models are produced in the hundreds or a few thousand - and not mass produced in the hundreds of thousands or millions (Western Models 2011).
Models Produced
On many boxes the phrase "1:43 scale metal model cars for the collector and enthusiast" was printed - the "A" being a pair of engineer's calipers. The company specialized in 1:43, but did special models in a variety of sizes (Company history 1998-2011).American cars of the 1950s (particularly Fords and Buicks in mundane four door and station wagon styles), classic race cars, vintage sports and Grand Prix cars, and land speed record cars were the main types of vehicles represented (Johnson 1998, pp. 246-247; Olson 2006, p. 116). Detail was exquisite down to precise numbering from the real race cars and model specific wheel selection and detail. For example, as seen in period photographs, Carrol Shelby's LeMans winning 1959 Aston Martin was accurate even in the wheel well covers and in the asymmetrical segmented pieces of the front grille.
Though some boxes were black, packaging was usually recognizable by the white boxes with "WM" lettering in red and black which covered half of the box.